Roadmap to a Future-Ready Orthopedic Community – Bombay Orthopedic Society – Beacon Futuristic Leadership

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jcorth.2025.v10.i02.766

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Submitted Date: 2 Aug 2025, Review Date: 18 Aug 2025, Accepted Date: 1 Sep 2025 & Published Date: 10 Dec 2025

Author: Vishal Kundnani [1]

[1] Center of Excellence in Spine Surgery, Bombay Hospital and Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Address of Correspondence

Dr.Vishal Kundnani,
Director, Center of Excellence in Spine Surgery, Bombay Hospital and Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: kundnanivishal@yahoo.co.in

Introduction
For over 55 years, the Bombay Orthopaedic Society (BOS) has stood as a cornerstone of orthopedic practice, professional growth, and academic excellence in India. Rooted in the rich heritage of Mumbai, BOS has fostered camaraderie among surgeons, promoted innovative learning, and nurtured a spirit of social responsibility. Its journey reflects the evolution of orthopedics in India – from the early days of managing childhood diseases, such as tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, and osteomyelitis, to trauma, joint reconstruction, and cutting-edge surgical interventions today.
As medicine evolves rapidly – with emerging technologies, changing patient expectations, and new societal challenges – BOS must envision a future-ready, innovative, inclusive, and socially responsible organization. The Society’s vision goes beyond academic excellence: It encompasses mentoring young surgeons, embracing technology safely, promoting research, delivering premium patient care, fostering happiness among members, and giving back to society.
This article outlines BOS’s strategic roadmap for the future, blending its rich history with forward-looking initiatives that will define its journey in the coming decades.

A Brief History of BOS: Foundations of Excellence
Mumbai, formerly Bombay, was among the first Indian cities to establish an independent orthopedic department within a general hospital. Dr. R.J. Katrak, a pioneering orthopedic surgeon, restricted his practice solely to orthopedics and established the first dedicated department at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Parel, Mumbai. He later launched another department at King Edward Memorial Hospital, attached to a medical college, marking the beginning of structured orthopedic education and practice in India.
During those early years, childhood osteo-articular tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, osteomyelitis, and nutritional deficiency disorders dominated the clinical landscape. Trauma, although significant, remained secondary due to limited management strategies.
International influence shaped the evolution of Mumbai orthopedics. In 1953, the World Health Organization sent a medical team to India, including Sir Henry Osmond-Clarke, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon. Later, Sir Harry Platt visited Mumbai in 1958 for the Association of Surgeons of India conference, inspiring local surgeons to elevate their academic pursuits. Mumbai was home to stalwarts, such as Drs. Katrak, MG Kini, AK Talwalkar, KT Dholakia, KS Masalawala, PK Mullaferoze, and MV Sant, who shaped clinical care, rehabilitation, and academic rigor in the city.
The 1960s saw younger surgeons, including Drs. Vali, Chawra, Bhansali, Joshipura, Bulchandani, Gaitonde, Chaubal, and others, bring energy, innovation, and academic zeal. Monthly evening meetings began, sparking rich discussions, mentorship, and collaboration. The Johnson and Johnson Traveling Fellowship in 1961 and visits by global experts, such as Sir Herbert J. Seddon in 1962 further fueled academic excellence.
By 1965, BOS was formally established, with Dr. Katrak as its first president. Meetings were held every alternate month, combining clinical discussions with camaraderie. Over the years, BOS expanded its activities to include the Western India Regional Orthopedic Conference, Katrak Oration, KT Dholakia Lecture, Young Surgeon’s Forum, quizzes, awards, and advanced courses. Today, BOS is a mature, respected society committed to academic rigor, mentorship, innovation, and social responsibility.

The Imperative for a Future-Ready BOS
The healthcare ecosystem today is vastly different from when BOS was founded. Surgeons face rapid technological advancements, digital disruption, increasing specialization, global collaborations, and societal inequities. The future of BOS must address these challenges while staying true to its founding principles: Academic excellence, innovation, camaraderie, social responsibility, and ethical practice.
The strategic vision of BOS is built around eight pillars, each representing a core area of focus to guide the Society toward being futuristic, inclusive, and socially impactful.

Strengthening education and training: A modern, structured pathway
Today’s orthopedic landscape demands a balance between generalist knowledge and sub-specialty expertise. BOS can provide structure, guidance, and modern tools to ensure that young surgeons are not overwhelmed by fragmented training pathways.
Strategic goals:
• Develop standardized fellowship pathways, ensuring exposure to trauma, general orthopedics, and super-specialties
• Launch a centralized BOS-accredited fellowship match program for transparency, accountability, and quality control
• Introduce self-paced digital learning archives, including recorded lectures, surgical videos, case discussions, and CME modules, accessible to all members
• Incorporate modern teaching tools, such as simulation labs, virtual reality, AI-assisted tutorials, and interactive digital modules
• Foster mentorship, pairing experienced surgeons with trainees for guidance in both clinical and research domains
• Collaborate with government teaching hospitals and institutes to harmonize curricula, standardize training, and ensure uniform quality of teaching across regions.
By creating a flexible, modern, and structured learning ecosystem, BOS ensures that its members are well-equipped to meet both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s innovations.

Bridging access gaps: Social responsibility and equitable care
Healthcare inequity remains a pressing concern. BOS has the opportunity to lead by example; ensuring advanced orthopedic care reaches underserved populations while strengthening social accountability.
Strategic goals:
• Organize rotational free surgical camps across underserved districts in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh
• Partner with NGOs, government hospitals, insurance companies, and local health missions to provide implants, logistics, follow-up care, and subsidized treatment
• Launch the BOS Social Responsibility Pledge, encouraging members to dedicate time annually to community service
• Collaborate with CAR and other charitable organizations to enhance social outreach and community health initiatives
• Promote public awareness campaigns on orthopedic health, injury prevention, and rehabilitation through both traditional and digital channels.
Across structured outreach and collaborations, BOS not only reduces disparities but also reinforces the ethical and societal role of orthopedic surgeons.

Embracing technology and innovation safely
Technology – from robotics and navigation to AI-assisted decision-making – offers transformative opportunities. Yet, adoption can be hindered by cost, lack of training, and medicolegal concerns. BOS can guide its members in embracing these innovations safely, effectively, and responsibly.
Strategic Goals:
• Develop BOS Technology Adoption Guidelines for safe, ethical, and standardized use of robotics, navigation, artificial intelligence, and tele-orthopedics
• Offer medico-legal advisory panels to support members adopting new technologies
• Conduct hands-on workshops, simulation labs, and digital tutorials for advanced techniques
• Facilitate digital collaboration platforms connecting surgeons, mentors, and researchers nationwide
• Partner with government and insurance bodies to streamline adoption of telemedicine, digital health records, and equitable access to care.
Across a balanced approach to technology, BOS can ensure its members are well-prepared to integrate innovations into practice safely and effectively.

Supporting young surgeons: From training to independent practice
Transitioning from fellowship to independent practice can be daunting. BOS seeks to act as a mentor, guide, and support system for young surgeons.
Strategic goals:
• Launch Mentorship-on-Demand, enabling real-time guidance from senior members
• Establish a Job Board and Placement Cell, connecting trained surgeons with hospitals nationwide
• Conduct workshops on financial literacy, medicolegal awareness, and entrepreneurial skills, equipping young professionals for ethical and sustainable careers
• Facilitate networking, leadership development, and collaborative research opportunities.
By providing mentorship, career support, and professional development, BOS ensures that young surgeons thrive in both clinical and personal spheres.

Fostering well-being of members and preventing burnout
The demands of orthopedic surgery – long training, high patient expectations, and financial pressures – can lead to burnout. BOS prioritizes holistic well-being for its members.
Strategic goals:
• Introduce BOS Wellness Programs, focusing on mental health, resilience, and work-life balance
• Organize “Beyond the Scalpel” retreats, emphasizing family, fitness, hobbies, and personal growth
• Establish peer-support groups for confidential sharing of challenges and solutions
• Promote mindfulness, stress management, and wellness education across all BOS programs.
A focus on well-being ensures surgeons remain passionate, productive, and fulfilled throughout their careers.

Driving innovation and research leadership
BOS aims to be a hub of innovation, research, and knowledge creation. Encouraging members to explore new ideas, publish findings, and collaborate globally will shape the future of orthopedics.
Strategic goals:
• Establish a BOS Innovation Lab to incubate ideas in surgical techniques, implants, digital solutions, and patient care
• Provide research funding and grant opportunities for multicentre trials and collaborative studies
• Maintain an online repository of BOS-generated clinical guidelines, protocols, and best practices
• Encourage members to publish, present at conferences, and participate in international forums
• Recognize innovation through awards, scholarships, and orations
• By fostering a research-driven culture, BOS will maintain global relevance and influence.

Expanding global collaboration and digital reach
Digital tools enable BOS to transcend geographic boundaries, bringing knowledge and mentorship to all corners of India and the world.
Strategic goals:
• Launch the BOS Global Virtual University, offering structured online diplomas, masterclasses, CME programs, and digital archives
• Collaborate with government teaching hospitals and institutes to standardize curricula and reduce regional disparities
• Partner with international and national societies for joint research, webinars, and collaborative programs
• Leverage digital archives and self-paced learning modules to democratize education and ensure equitable access to training.
Across digital expansion and global collaboration, BOS can strengthen its reach, impact, and influence.

Promoting camaraderie, happiness, and social inclusiveness
BOS thrives on relationships, mentorship, and shared purpose. Beyond academics, fostering personal satisfaction and social engagement is central to its vision.
Strategic goals:
• Organize social and cultural events, retreats, and family-inclusive programs to strengthen bonds among members
• Promote inclusivity across gender, geography, and sub-specialties, creating a supportive and collaborative environment
• Encourage members to join hands with CAR and other charitable organizations, integrating “give back to society” initiatives into BOS activities
• Recognize contributions in clinical excellence, research, social responsibility, and innovation, fostering pride and fulfillment.
By cultivating community, happiness, and purpose, BOS ensures its members thrive personally as well as professionally.

Conclusion: A Future-Ready BOS
The BOS has a legacy of academic excellence, mentorship, camaraderie, and social responsibility. Its future vision is bold yet grounded:
• Futuristic: Embracing technology, digital learning, and innovation
• Inclusive: Providing opportunities for surgeons at all stages, locations, and sub-specialties
• Research-driven: Cultivating inquiry, collaboration, and publication
• Socially responsible: Bridging healthcare inequities and giving back to society
• Human-centered: Prioritizing well-being, happiness, and camaraderie.
Across strategic planning, actionable initiatives, and unwavering dedication, BOS is poised to remain a beacon of orthopedic excellence, mentorship, innovation, and societal contribution. It will continue to inspire surgeons, enrich patient care, and cultivate a thriving community – ensuring that the next generation of orthopedic surgeons thrives in a world that is ever-evolving yet grounded in tradition and values.

How to Cite this Article: Kundnani V. Roadmap to a Future-Ready Orthopedic Community – Bombay Orthopedic Society – Beacon Futuristic Leadership. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics. July-December 2025;10(2):30-33.

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Author: Vishal Kundnani [1]

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